Susan M. Smith

December 4, 1969  -  July 15, 2019

Susan M. Smith, 49, of Riverside, CA passed away on July 15, 2019 from complications related to cancer.

Susan was known for her kindness and gentle heart. She was always smiling and could light up a room just by walking into it. She liked to travel, have fun, be adventurous, and learn more about our wonderful world. She enjoyed people, and they enjoyed being around her.

Susan was born in Fayetteville, NC to Johnny and DeWayne Smith on December 4, 1969. She was the youngest of three daughters, and when she was 2 years old the family moved to southern California.  Susan attended school in Chino and was very involved in FFA during her high school years. She was also involved in decorating floats for the Rose Parade - as a volunteer decorator, a float driver and was even one of the youngest crew chiefs (in charge of coordinating all the decorating for a single float) in the company’s history.

Although being a mother was her first (and best job), Susan also spent time working in retail, as an owner/supervisor in the food industry, and for H&R Block. However, her two favorite jobs were the most recent:  a cast member at Disneyland; and as an educator at the Discovery Cube. At both positions, she met an incredible group of co-workers who became good friends.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Maxine Smith and DeWayne L. Smith, as well as grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Susan is survived by her daughter Stephanie Smith; her son Ryan Bootsma and his wife Monique; two grand-daughters, Riley (10) and Sloan (3); two sisters – Joyce Corder of Spokane, WA, and Donna Schulze of Lanesville, IN; and one brother – Leo Monteon, of Fontana, CA.

Susan is also remembered by several nieces, nephews and other family members and close friends.

A Celebration of Susan’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 28th at 3:00pm at the Chino Fairgrounds – 5410 Edison Ave., Chino, CA  91710.